Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences
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Anti-inflammatory Activity and Isolation of Luteolin from Plagiochasma appendiculatum Methanol Extract
Get PDFPlagiochasma appendiculatum, a flavonoid rich liverwort, is reported to be used in the treatment of cuts, burns, outside wounds, bacteriostatic, pulmonary tuberculosis, neurasthenia, fractures, convulsions, scalds, uropathy, and inflammation by tribal communities. In the present study, flavonoid luteolin, reported to possess anti-inflammatory potential, is isolated from P. appendiculatum methanol extract and extract is evaluated for anti-inflammatory effect. Anti-inflammatory potential was studied by protein denaturation assay and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method. Plant flavonoid is isolated from methanol extract by column chromatography, using petroleum ether and ethyl acetate in various proportion, as mobile phase. Further identified by spectroscopic analysis. In vitro studies, at a concentration of 800 μg/ml, P. appendiculatum methanolic extract (PAME) exhibited 74% inhibition while indomethacin showed 79% inhibition at the same concentration. The extract exhibits a decrease in inflammation in rat hind paw when tested with carrageenan-induced paw edema. PAME at a dose of 150 mg/kg displayed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity compared to the other groups during the course of the observation period. The methanol extract yielded a yellow color crystalline compound which is characterized as 2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromenone, commonly known as luteolin. Isolation of luteolin from P. appendiculatum is first time reported, which supports the ethnobotanical claims and provides scientific explanation for anti-inflammatory use of mentioned liverwort
A Meticulous Appraisal of Vyaghri Haritaki Avaleha – An Ayurvedic Medicament WSR to Stability Study
Get PDFStability study of the Ayurvedic formulations plays a significant role to provide actual shelf life of the medicament. Hence, it is necessary to perform stability studies of Ayurvedic compound formulations. The stability study was planned to observe whether any physical, chemical, and microbiological change takes place in Vyaghri Haritaki samples by keeping them at three different temperatures (47°C, 37°C, and 25–30°C) for 3 months. The samples kept for accelerated stability study were analyzed after 3 months and the details have been presented in this section
Assessment of Pulmonary Function Test among Petrol Pump Workers in Bankura District
Get PDFBackground and Aim: Health problems posed by the pollutants at the working environment of an individual are linked to the nature and level of exposure to these hazardous chemicals. Petrol pump workers are exposed to high level of different types of air pollution along with petrol and diesel vapors exhibit a number of effects on the respiratory functions. The main objective of the study was to assess the pulmonary functions in petrol pump workers (filling attendants) who are continuously exposed to petrol/diesel vapors during duty hours and compare with the normal healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study was conducted at seven different petrol pumps of Bankura and 65 petrol pump workers (filling attendants) were included. Each subject’s age, smoking habits, the duration of exposure, health conditions, BMI and BP were recorded. Their PFT were assessed using spirometer and was compared with 65 normal healthy individuals. Results: A significant decrease in the values of Tidal Volume, Vital Capacity, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, Respiratory Rate and Oxygen saturation in petrol pump workers when compared to control group. Significant increase in BP was observed in case of petrol pump workers and reduction in muscle strength. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate the adverse effects of petrol and diesel vapors and fumes, hydrocarbons markedly decreased the pulmonary functions
Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Care Services among Pregnant Women in Slum Population of West Delhi
Get PDFUtilization of maternal and child health (MCH) services remains poor in India. This study aimed to assess the utilization of MCH care services among pregnant women residing in an urban slum area of West Delhi. A household survey was conducted using questionnaire cum interview method for collection of sociodemographic information, obstetric history, and information on utilization of MCH care services. Pregnant women were followed within 72 h of delivery for obtaining information regarding delivery conditions. Although 96.6% of pregnant women have attended at least one antenatal care (ANC), whereas complete four ANC were attended by only one-fourth (25.3%) pregnant women. Nearly three-fourth (73.3%) pregnant women received; ANC from a government doctor and coverage for ANC components was highest in ANC provided by government doctor. Utilization of full ANC was reported by less than one-fifth pregnant women (19.18%). Only one-fifth of pregnant women (19.7%) received supplementary nutrition. Postnatal care (PNC) was received by 73.2% of women who had institutional deliveries during their stay in health facility only. Coverage of ANC components, number of ANC visits, utilization of full ANC, and PNC was found unsatisfactory. Participation in supplementary nutrition program was also poor. Intervention programs are needed for enhancing community awareness and improving the competence, confidence, and motivation of grass root health workers
Mothers’ Perception regarding Malnutrition in their Children
Get PDFIntroduction: Nutrition in the early childhood days plays a significant role by balancing the holistic aspect of child, that is, physical, mental, social moral, and spiritual area. A healthy child is not only a desire of every mother but is also an asset to the country. Inadequate amounts of nutritional intake for longer periods can lead to irreversible damage to child’s growth. However, little is known about perception of mothers to causes of malnutrition in their children. Methods: This qualitative study was undertaken in selected village of Haldwani block, Uttarakhand. Focused group discussions were conducted each being 30–45 min of duration among mothers of identified malnourished children (<3 years of age), who were purposely recruited in the study. The author played the role of facilitator and carried out the discussion with mothers with the help of open-ended questionnaire. Data were analyzed and report was created. Results: The mothers in the study reported that – irregularity in child’s eating was the major cause affecting nutritional status. There were variety of other reasons identified which were: Craving for outside food in children, inability of mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, inadequate deworming, lack of child related guidance from community workers, and time was the major constraint for mothers. Conclusion: Perception of child nutrition in mothers and family greatly influences the community-based management. With prompt and focused efforts of – the health workers, the community workers, the family, and the government uncomplicated malnutrition can always be treated at home. Emphasis should always be on nutritional diet as per the requirement for different age group of children
Evaluation of Statin Prescribing Guidelines, Practices, Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacoeconomic Study of Chronic Statin Therapy
Get PDFHyperlipidemia is a medical health condition, defined as increased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or a combination of such abnormalities. Statins are the most commonly used drugs in the present scenario in cardiovascular diseases for dyslipidemia condition. However, recent studies have shown a wide range of interventions regarding its use in patients receiving statin therapy. This study aims to evaluate various parameters that contribute in the choice of statin therapy which includes the prescribing habits of statins in accordance with the guidelines, safety, efficacy; prevalence of adverse drug reaction associated with statins and cost effectiveness analysis of statin tablets of different brands which are varying in their price. A hospital-based prospective study was conducted in Cardiology Department of Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad. A total of 170 cases were collected in case collection forms. Data in relation to age, gender, investigations done to obtain final diagnosis, and type of statin therapy opted based on the diagnosis made were collected. The results of the study are validated statistically using SPSS software which incorporates mean, standard deviation method, t test, and Chi-square test. Results obtained illustrate that Rosuvastatin was associated with less adverse effects and is considered to be more cost saving, safe, and efficacious when compared with Atorvastatin. It is crucial to find an effective and an equally safe treatment of statins to reduce the further risk of comorbidities associated with hyperlipidemia
Assessment of Lung Function of People, Chronically Exposed to Air Pollution in Delhi/NCR, India
Get PDFBackground: Air pollution in India is a serious issue with the major sources being motor vehicle emissions, thermal power stations, cooling towers, biomass burning, fuel adulteration, factory smoke, and stubble burning. Chronic exposure to ambient air pollution has obtunded effects on the development of lung function in children and detrimental effects on lung function of adults. The adverse effects of pollution on lung function increase the development of lung diseases in the future. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was a comparison of lung function between two groups of population with different occupations, one group with outdoor occupation (high exposure) and second group with indoor occupation (low exposure). Settings and Design: It was a cross-sectional study and the sampling approach was Quota sampling. Quota sampling is a type of non-probabilistic sampling. There are certain groups of people who are particularly vulnerable to ambient air pollution because of their sustained high exposure like traffic police personnel deputed at traffic junctions, auto rickshaw driver/Taxi driver, E-Rickshaw driver plying in this area, and road side vendors this group. Low exposure group chosen were employee of offices and showrooms who are working indoor. Methods and Materials: This study was a two groups of 245 participants in each. First group with outdoor occupation and second group with indoor occupation having different level of exposure to air pollution due to their nature of occupation. Lung function parameters FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FEF were compared between two groups. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 26 software was used. Independent “T” test for continuous data type for different population, paired “T” test within the group, and Chi-square test for categorical data were applied. Results: Among high exposure group, 62.7% and 9.4% were found to have restrictive and normal lung function pattern, respectively. In comparison, among low exposure group, 31% and 59.5% were found to have restrictive and normal lung function pattern, respectively. Among outdoor group, there was a significant decline of lung function parameters such as FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FEF in comparison to indoor group. Conclusion: In this study, the lung function parameters were decreased in population working outdoor and chronically exposed to air pollution, in comparison to indoor subjects
Diabetogenic Microbiome - A Review on the Microbes Involve in Diabetes
Get PDFDiabetes has emerged as a pandemic and has caused a great percentage of mortality all over the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This worldwide health issue has turned to be a major concern as it shares its role in the onset and progression of many other metabolic diseases along with it. Several factors that include microbes such as bacteria and viruses, diet, and lifestyle comes into play in the progression of this autoimmune disease. Studies done on humans and experimental animal models have provided a great deal of knowledge on how bacteria and viruses are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Nevertheless, the need for more investigations is required to understand the relationship between the microbes and disease development. This review deals with the underlying reasons of diabetes Type I and Type II especially with respect to the microbes in the body and the subsequent changes caused through them
Fascia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - An Overview
Get PDFThis paper synthesized the available published literature on myofascia, its structure, myofascial disorder, causative factors, scientific methods for evaluation and treatments, etc. The importance of myofascial in chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is overlooked. According to Waller et al., mention in their article, up to 85% of people will experience myofascial pain at least once during their life. The myofascia is a musculoskeletal cell matrix that supports muscular connective tissue, it is essential for generating forces between muscles and also provides better flexibility. Myofascial pain syndrome is described as sensory, motor, and autonomic signs and symptoms that are produced by trigger points or taut bands of skeletal muscle or fascia. A myofascial trigger point is painful on compression and can give rise to referred pain, motor dysfunction, and automatic event, it restricts the range of motion and force generation capacity. Therefore, it is utmost importance to know about myofascial disorders, their prevention techniques, diagnosis, and treatment
Assessment of Biochemical Parameters, Kidney Function, and Long-term Outcome in Renal Transplant Recipients
Get PDFBackground and Aims: New-onset of diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is the most significant complications arising post-renal transplantation and affecting the long-term graft outcome and recipient survival. Assessment of renal function in kidney transplant recipients might help in understanding the better outcome of the graft and also the factors associated with NODAT. The present study was aimed to estimate the biochemical parameters, electrolytes, and minerals in the serum among renal transplant recipients and healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate the graft function, graft outcome and patient survival. Materials and Methods: Biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in serum by enzymatic method using commercially available kits in 100 HC, 80 NODAT, and 80 Non-NODAT subjects. The graft outcome was assessed by comparing serum creatinine levels and urinary creatinine clearance at 0 month and 60 months. The survival rate was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results: The mean age was significantly higher in NODAT versus non-NODAT at P < 0.0009. Significant gender difference was observed in NODAT and non-NODAT versus HC at P < 0.0001. The levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly more in NODAT versus HC at P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.006. The mean levels of sodium and phosphorus were significantly lower in NODAT versus HC at P < 0.008 and P < 0.029. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, male gender, creatinine, and urea significantly predicted the outcome and the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed creatinine to be better marker for assessing kidney function. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed decreased survival rates in NODAT than non-NODAT. Conclusion: Older age (above 40), hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia could be significant risk factors for NODAT development